Eurofurence for Beginners – V2.6 / 24.01.2016 As the title suggests, this guide is written for everyone who is attending Eurofurence for the first time or who has questions, but is afraid to ask because they don’t want to look stupid. Even regular guests may find something useful in here. The content of this guide is not officially commissioned and authorized by Eurofurence. It is sorely meant as advice and is in no way a rulebook. There is no guarantee that the information provided here is up to date – please refer to the version and date in the title. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to ask on the official Eurofurence forum or send a mail to [email protected]. This guide is published under the CC-by-nc-as copyright. It may be distributed as long as there is no money charged for it or other commercial gain and the original author is credited. Every subsequent distribution has to follow the original rules. This guide was written by Dhary, the translation into English and conversion into PDF was done by Raider. All artwork has kindly been made available by the artist silverfox5213. Pictures have been taken by Stadt Berlin, Estrel Hotel GmbH, Blackfur, Hati, FaulLuchs, Fuchur, Furan, Giza, Khakidoggy, Webdolphin and Locutus. 1. Introduction, the hotel and basics ........................................................................................................... 4 1.1 The basics .................................................................................................................................................. 4 1.2 The hotel ................................................................................................................................................... 5 1.3 What do I have to expect? What happens at a furry convention? ........................................................... 6 2. Registration, the Rush and step-by-step instructions ............................................................................ 13 2.1 The Rush? F5? ......................................................................................................................................... 13 2.2 Registration: Step-by-step instructions ................................................................................................... 14 2.2.1 Step 1: Website ............................................................................................................................. 14 2.2.2 Step 2: New Registration ............................................................................................................... 14 2.2.3 Step 3: Personal data .................................................................................................................... 14 2.2.4 Step 4: Membership packages ...................................................................................................... 15 2.2.5 Step 5: Completing your registration ............................................................................................ 17 2.2.6 Step 6: Confirming your e-mail address ........................................................................................ 18 2.2.7 Step 7: Paying for your registration .............................................................................................. 18 2.3 Are day tickets available? ....................................................................................................................... 18 3. How do I get a room in the Estrel? ........................................................................................................ 19 3.1 What is "Ghosting"? ............................................................................................................................... 19 3.2 Can I sleep in a room that is not my own? .............................................................................................. 19 3.3 I want a room in the Estrel! How do I get one? ...................................................................................... 20 3.4 Late departure? Early arrival? Can I eat that? ........................................................................................ 20 3.5 How do I pay for my hotel room? ........................................................................................................... 20 3.5.1 Payment via credit card ................................................................................................................. 21 3.5.2 No credit card, but living in Germany ........................................................................................... 21 3.5.3 No credit card and not living in Germany ..................................................................................... 22 3.6 Important hints about booking hotel rooms ........................................................................................... 22 3.6.1 You’re booking a whole room and not a single bed! .................................................................... 22 3.6.2 How do I assign a roommate to my room? ................................................................................... 23 3.6.3 Adding food and drink to the room bill ......................................................................................... 23 1 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 3.6.4 What should I do if I did not get a room at the Estrel? ................................................................. 23 3.6.5 May I enter the hotel without registering for the convention? .................................................... 23 4. Day of arrival, hints for your trip and a little bit of panic ....................................................................... 24 4.1 Make a list! ............................................................................................................................................. 24 4.2 What should I bring? ............................................................................................................................... 24 4.2.1 Sanitary products .......................................................................................................................... 25 4.2.2 Plasticbags ..................................................................................................................................... 25 4.2.3 Pharmaceuticals ............................................................................................................................ 25 4.2.4 Identification ................................................................................................................................. 25 4.2.5 Food............................................................................................................................................... 25 4.2.6 Tweezers and small watch screwdriver......................................................................................... 26 4.2.7 Pillow ............................................................................................................................................. 26 4.2.8 Ohropax ......................................................................................................................................... 26 4.2.9 Plastic cups and cutlery ................................................................................................................. 26 4.2.10 Flashlight .................................................................................................................................. 26 4.2.11 Extension leads ......................................................................................................................... 26 4.2.12 Comfortable shoes ................................................................................................................... 26 4.2.13 Mobile phone ........................................................................................................................... 27 4.2.14 Sewingkit .................................................................................................................................. 27 4.2.15 An empty folder ........................................................................................................................ 27 4.3 Packed! How do I get to the hotel? ......................................................................................................... 27 4.4 Arriving at the hotel and first steps ........................................................................................................ 28 5. Rules, security and staffers ................................................................................................................... 29 5.1 Convention rules and comments ............................................................................................................. 30 5.1.1 Rules of Conduct ........................................................................................................................... 30 5.1.2 General rules ................................................................................................................................. 30 5.1.3 Registration and Badges ................................................................................................................ 31 5.1.4 Hotel rules ..................................................................................................................................... 32 5.1.5 Parties and Gatherings .................................................................................................................